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As the curtain falls on a disrupted and challenging season, Staffordshire Schools and Colleges FA would like to share our greatest thanks and admiration to those who have supported us throughout this tough 2020-21 season. Jumping in and out of lockdowns with various levels of restrictions impacted every single one of us, whether it be a player, coach, parent/guardian, referee or volunteers. However, it is only because of you that we managed to bounce back multiple times through different setbacks amidst Covid-19. Since the resumption of schools football on the 29th March 2021, we have managed to play 14 fixtures across 6 age groups, a remarkbale feat! To view all of our fixtures from the 2020-21 season, click here. Thank you to everyone who has supported us in recent weeks as we finally welcomed back spectators to our games - your voice really makes the difference and helps spur our teams on (as well as demoralising opposition coaches and fans!). It has been both fantastic and heartwarming to welcome our schoolgirls and schoolboys back to football, an opportunity to unite us and provide a safe environment for enjoyment and socialisation whilst enjoying county football of the highest standard. By aiming to be one of the most proactive associations in the country, we hope that we have managed adversity well throughout this saga, to maintain and secure the future of schools representative football. However, the reputation and stature of Staffordshire Schools and Colleges FA would simply not exist without the monumental 50 years of service that our late secretary John Appleby instilled. This season marks our first complete season without John, and everyone misses him dearly. Everyone at SSCFA is determined to continue John's unbelievable legacy by upholding our reputation as an association that provides opportunities and enjoyment for players in the right way, with 'Mr Staffordshire' forever in our thoughts, and at the heart of what we do for our players. As the season now finishes, focus naturally turns to next season. Planning is already underway to provide a comprehensive schedule featuring national competitions, MCF fixtures, pro-club friendlies and showcase events. Trial details and further information will be sent out by team managers by email, and also placed on our twitter page (@staffsschoolsfa) and website (www.staffordshireschoolsfa.org.uk). SSCFA are also actively looking for sponsors for the 2021-2022 season. Whether you, your business, or someone you know is interested in sponsoring a team or a matchday, please contact Chairman Bailey Evans to discuss sponsorship packages. For any other enquiries, get in touch via the contact forms on our website. With the sun shining and England off to a winning start, everyone at SSCFA sends our best wishes to everyone for the summer. Enjoy the Euros, stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you again next season! On Saturday, 3 Staffordshire players represented England at Under 18 Level, defeating Harrogate Town 6-1 with a superb display of attacking football. Everyone at SSCFA sends our congratulations to Carter Lycett who captained the side, Ollie Waddison who scored two on the day, and Dave Pereira who provided an assist. Well done to all involved, an incredibly proud moment! To view the match report from the game, click the link below. https://twitter.com/StaffsSchoolsFA/status/1402714044784648194?s=20 On Monday 7th June, the Under 14 Girls welcome Gloucestershire to Stafford Town FC in the ESFA National Cup quarter-final, with a 7:15 Kickoff. Following a delayed trial process due to Covid-19, the Under 14 girls management team are delighted to be able to play their first competitive fixture of the season. Changing rooms will be available on the night. As is common practice now, all spectators and volunteers are reminded to adhere to our Covid-secure guidelines, and sign in for NHS Test and Trace purposes on arrival. Spectators are welcome and encouraged to bring along friends of friends for what is sure to be a thrilling game of schoolgirl football. There will also be a £3 admissions charge for Adults, £2 Concessions to help support the organisation following over 14 months of no income. Managers Dan Hallam and Rob Wakelin have named the following squad: Maia Bull Shannon Ruscoe Charlotte Hardwick Lucy Lomas Freya Whitehead Phoebe Chadwick Faith Hill Emily Lomas Louise Coates Erin Moreton Powell Kady Leigh Day Alice Collier Diontai Saunders Cait Deeley Tallulah Gotham Best of luck to both teams on the evening, with the winners looking forward to a home tie against Lancashire or South Yorkshire. Do you just LOVE schools’ football? Do you hold fond memories as a player? Do you get joy from seeing your kids get the joy from it? If so, you might just be the PERFECT person/business to sponsor Staffordshire Schools FA moving forward! We currently have NO sponsors, and with finance for Schools’ Rep football only disappearing year on year, we can only keep going for so much longer… We have shirt sponsorship opportunities for all 6 teams, space for advertising on Matchday programmes and guaranteed exposure via all of our online platforms. PLEASE share this post as widely as you possibly can! County football has been massively successful in Staffs over the last decade - and we have no intention of stopping there! Be a part of the journey! Get in touch via our website, Instagram or Twitter! As we near the end of a shortened season amidst Covid-19, Staffordshire Schools and Colleges FA have thrived since the resumption of football on the 29th March. Given the restrictions on everyone's livelihoods over the past year, it was our aim to provide high quality opportunities for our schoolboys and schoolgirls to return to football in a safe and enjoyable manner. Thank you SO much to our incredible volunteers, our brilliant parents and, of course, our wonderful players! You have all been fantastic since our return! In just 8 weeks, across 6 teams, we have managed to play 13 times! From National Cup Semi-Finals to battling performances against elite-level academies, we are incredibly proud of each and every one of our teams. Additionally, the last 2 weeks have seen the return of our wonderful spectators, and we cannot wait to welcome you back again next season! To view all of the results and match reports from our shortened but successful 2020-21 season, click here. Whilst the end of the season is upon us, we are not done yet! On Monday 7th June, the Under 14 Girls take on Gloucestershire in the National Cup Quarter-Final at Stafford Town FC, 7:15 Kickoff. Spectators will be welcome on the day to support our Under 14 Girls national adventure, with further details announced next week. The Under 15 Boys take on West Brom's academy tomorrow (25/05/2021) in an away fixture, kick off 7pm. Manager Lee Sage has named the following squad: Matty Bryant Harry Neeson Braden Webb Joe Davies Jacob Danan Finn Murray Dan Hughes Doug Hughes Declan Riley Lucas Sant Charlie Dean Jharrel Williams Luke Kellas Hayden Cordall Dylan Scott Staffordshire U16 Boys 1 - 2 Cleveland U16 Boys The National Semi -Final at Stafford Town saw the Staffordshire side fall agonisingly short of qualifying for the final after losing out to a spirited and direct Cleveland side. Things started really well for the Staffs boys and after a sustained period of pressure and some near misses, Todd Alcock was brought down in the penalty box on 25 minutes. Todd picked himself up and made no mistake from the spot to put Staffs into the lead. Staffs then had a couple of decent chances to double their lead but were grateful to keeper George Lenton who pulled off an outstanding save to deny the visitors just before the break, somehow getting down to tip the ball round the post. Half Time 1-0 The second goal was always going to be critical in such a tight game and therefore it made for a nervous first 20 minutes of the second period. It was Cleveland who made the breakthrough as their Centre Forward went down right on the edge of the box. A penalty was awarded and once again converted to level the scores. Cleveland now had the momentum and went ahead just 5 minutes later with a scrappy goal as their striker nipped in to tap home after George Taylor had saved the initial shot. Changes were made and Staffs went all out for the equaliser but it wasn’t to be and they bowed out by the finest of margins. Full Time 1-2 Naturally the Staffs boys were very distraught at the final whistle but should nevertheless look back on an incredible journey which started with them being the first ever Staffs winners of the MCS at U14’s and saw them lose just 3 games during a 3 year period. Coaches Neil Davies and Liam would like to thank players and parents/families of this remarkable group of lads who have been an absolute pleasure to work with. It is hoped that a final game can be organised shortly as it seems such a shame for their journey to end on such a disappointing note. Thanks as always to Stafford Town for being such great hosts and also it was wonderful to see so many people able to come along and add their support. Eeveryone at SSCFA sends their best wishes to Cleveland Schools FA for the final against Kent Schools FA. The Under 14 Boys play host to Burton Albion FC in a friendly fixture at Stafford Town FC on Monday evening. Kickoff will be at 7pm, with players asked to arrive for 6pm. Changing rooms will be available on the evening. Spectators are allowed to attend (and encouraged!) to come along and support Staffordshire, with the fixture being only the second time we welcome fans back to schools football since Feb 2020. There will be a £3 admissions charge for spectators on the evening due to having no income as an organisation since the pandemic started, with our Covid-secure measures remaining in place. Manager Bailey Evans confirmed squad attendance on the team app, Spond. This Saturday 22nd May, the Under 16 Boys welcome Cleveland in the National Cup Semi-Final at Stafford Town FC, kick off 4pm. The fixture marks a very special moment for Staffordshire, as we welcome back spectators for the first time since February 2020! Stafford Town FC has the capacity to safely accomodate 250 spectators on the day, and there will be a £3 admission charge after 14 months of no income to support us as an organisation. Social distancing and our Covid-secure guidelines remain in place, as does signing in on arrival via NHS Covid-19 app or the paper contact forms. Under 16 Boys Manager Neil Davies faced a welcome selection headache going into the fixture, but has named the following 16 players in the squad for Saturday's game: George Lenton GK George Taylor GK Lewis Hassall Mason Pickering Jack Bostock Isaac Turner Matt Steadman Matt Cutler Rafferty Winnall Todd Alcock Sol Ashworth (C) James Plant Alfie Clarke Ben Herrington James Miller Adam Cockbill Standby players: Will Finlay Archie England Sam Scott All standby players are encouraged to be ready to play incase of injuries/isolation, but also encouraged to come down and support the team that they have been a huge part of throughout! Everyone at Staffordshire Schools and Colleges FA sends our best wishes to the Under 16 Boys as they look to reach the final on Saturday. Good luck boys!
Under 14 Girls Manager Dan Hallam has named the following squad for this shortened 2020-21 season following the completion of trials. Our thanks go out to all of the girls who trialled for their conduct, respect, and excellent standard of football throughout the trials. Our congratulations go to all girls selected, but unfortunately, as always, players have to miss out. It was an extremely difficult decision for the management team, who, along with everyone at SSCFA, send their best wishes to those not selected. The Under 14 Girls squad is named below: Ella-Louise Beckett Maia Bull Tallulah Gotham Faith Hill (Captain) Isla Evans Phoebe Chadwick Kady-Leigh Day Louise Coates Erin Moreton-Powell Cait Deeley Charlotte Hardwick Emily Cox Dionatai Saunders Katie Patrick Tia Nicole Machin Shannon Ruscoe Alice Collier Rayah Hardman Katie Patrick Emily Lomas Lucy Lomas Freya Whitehead **Please note that Manager Dan Hallam will name a matchday squad of 16 ahead of the Under 14 Girls national tie against Gloucestershire on Monday 7th June** U14 National Quarter-Final: South Yorkshire SFA 3 Staffordshire SCFA 1 The new U14 boys side endured biblically rainy conditions on Saturday, but essentially their lack of familiarity and cohesion meant that they could not muster enough to get past a physically robust South Yorkshire side. The game started as it meant to go on - a slightly nervy and clumsy affair, with longer sequences of passing quality not easy to come by. However, Staffs dug in, organised themselves and tried to establish some sort of hold on the game. This was made more difficult by a debatable penalty decision in South Yorks’ favour, which their player finished emphatically into the roof of the net. Fortunately, the outstanding Alfie Gillion was on hand to reply just before half-time, finishing from close range after a moment of madness in the 18-yard box. With honours even at half-time, it was anyone’s game. Sadly, in the second half Staffs struggled to secure possession, and it became quite hit and hope. After going 2-1 down with less than 10mins to go, they went all out to try and bag an equaliser. Unfortunately, but unimportantly, this style led to Yorkshire scoring again, then seeing the game out in aggressive and safe fashion. Whilst always disappointing to lose, the way that this brand new side established and familiarised themselves throughout the course of the game was truly impressive, and within 70mins went from looking like strangers to a side with formidable potential. MOTM goes jointly to Jamie Maddocks-Brown and Alfie Gillion. We offer our sincere gratitude to South Yorkshire/Sheffield Hallam Sports Park for being such welcoming hosts. Thanks as always also go to the parents/carers for travelling and supporting so well, and to Stafford Rangers, who were kind enough to lend us their minibus so that the coaching staff and equipment had plenty of space to travel in style! Staffordshire Boys Under 16's 3 - 1 Merseyside Boys Under 16's (National Cup Quarter-Final) A phenomenal team effort from the Staffs boys saw them overcome a strong and physical Merseyside team who had thrashed West Yorkshire 7-1 in the previous round. The reward for the Under 16 Boys is a Home tie in the National Semi-Final against Cleveland (date to be confirmed). Straight from the first whistle Staffs were pressing the visitors all over the pitch and after an early period of domination deservedly took the lead as James Plant fired home from Sol Ashworth’s free kick. Only a brilliant save by the Merseyside keeper kept out Sol’s next free kick as Staffs went in search of a second goal. Right on half-time the visitors broke away following another Staffs free kick, levelling the scores to make it 1-1 at half-time. The interval team talk was about everything the boys had done so well during the first half, telling them to keep playing the same way and the result would come. Manager Neil Davies saw the Staffs boys respond brilliantly after half-time, retaking the lead with the goal of the game as Ben Herrington superbly controlled Sol Ashworth’s through ball before slotting home. Now it was just about controlling the game and dealing with the visitors inevitable physical onslaught. The whole team worked so hard and the defence simply would not let Merseyside through. Man of the Match Jack Bostock seemed to head and kick every ball out of the Staffs box, ably supported by Isaac Turner and the rest of the defence. The crucial third goal for Staffs then killed the game off. The ball fell to Sam Scott following a corner and he carefully side footed it towards goal with James Miller getting a touch on the way through to notch his first County goal. It was then just about game management which the Staffs boys did superbly. Merseyside lost their discipline late on when they realised their fate and resorted to a few wild challenges, but Staffs maintained their composure and were comfortable winners in the end. Congratulations to every member of the squad, they all played a huge part in a tremendous performance. They are now just one game away from the National final. On Monday evening, Staffordshire's Under 16 Girls welcomed This Girl Kicks to Stafford Town with the game starting in a terrible downpour, yet both teams looked to move the ball with purpose as the game ebbed and flowed. TGK took the lead after intercepting a back pass and finished confidently. Staffs had debutant Lucy Knowles showing some nice link up play with the hard working Lottie MacMurray and Millie Smallwood but they failed to find a breakthrough. The 2nd half saw the game become more end to end with a number of players given their debuts for Staffordshire but it was TGK who showed the quality to score 3 further goals to seal a 4-0 victory. The Under 16 Girls final fixture sees them travelling to face Worcestershire in June and will be hoping for a victory to finish the disrupted 2020-21 season on a high. On Saturday 8th May, the Under 16 Boys host Merseyside in the National Cup. The game will take place at Stafford Town FC, with a 4:30 Kickoff. All players, parents and volunteers are reminded to follow the social distancing guidelines in place on the day, and sign in via the NHS COVID-19 app or the contact forms on arrival. Manager Neil Davies has named the following squad for Saturday: George Lenton GK George Taylor GK Mason Pickering Sam Scott Matt Cutler Jack Bostock Isaac Turner Lewis Hassall Archie England Alfie Clarke Sol Ashworth (Captain) Rafferty Winnall James Plant Ben Herrington Will Finlay James Miller Standby players: Adam Cockbill Matt Steadman This Thursday (6th May), the Under 18 Boys travel to Gloucestershire in the National Cup. The game is a 7pm Kickoff, with players asked to meet for 6:30pm. The venue for the game is Hartbury University and College, Gloucester, GL19 3BE. The Under 18 coaches have named the following squad: HARRY DABBS HUEWLAN WRIGHT JOE BAXTER JACK TAYLOR JAMES SUTTON LEWI BURNSIDE SAM BOWATER JOE MORLEY MORGAN PAYNE CHARLIE PEARSALL LEWIS HOWARD JACOB GWILT DAVE PEREIRA OLI WADDISON JACK BOWATER JACK THOMAS Best of luck to our Under 18 Boys on Thursday evening, and good luck also to the Under 14 Boys away at South Yorkshire on Saturday. On Monday 3rd May, the Under 16 Girls take on This Girl Kicks at Stafford Town FC. Players are asked to arrive for 6pm for a 7pm Kick off. Changing rooms will be available on the night. Players, parents and volunteers are reminded to maintain social distancing and sign in via the NHS COVID-19 app or the contact forms on arrival. The Under 16 Girls squad is named below: HARRIET GRIMSHAW LUCY KNOWLES LUCY WESTWOOD GEORGIA DAWSON HANNAH SPARKES ELLA SMITH MILLIE WILLIAMSON MILLIE EDGERTON LOTTIE MacMURRAY CHLOE ASTELL GRACE HENNESSEY FERNANDEZ ERIN PATRICK MILLIE SMALLWOOD JESS POWIS GEORGIA MARRISON EMILY BEDDOW STEPHANIE BOWLER MILLIE TALBOT NATASHA GOODWIN HOLLY THOMPSON EVIE QUINN REBECCA LLOYD On Saturday 8th May, the Under 14 Boys play their first competitive fixture in the National Cup. The fixture is against South Yorkshire, with players asked to arrive for 12:50 for a 2pm kick off. The address for the fixture is Bawtry Road, Tinsley, Sheffield, S9 1UA. More details are available as per the scheduled event on the team's Spond app. The following 16 boys have been selected for the fixture vs South Yorkshire: Alfie Gillion – Erasmus Darwin Spencer Bailey – Paulet Ashton Newman – Cheslyn Hay Corey Waterworth – Kingsmead Jack Newall – Wolgarston Morgan Daley – Codsall Zach Binns – John Taylor Amerik Shinger – Codsall Owen Cantrill – Chase Terrace Finn East - Blessed William Howard (Captain) Liam Brazier - Endon High La'Trell Jones – John Taylor High Jamie Maddocks-Brown – Erasmus Darwin Alfie Cowley – St Margaret Ward Harley Gray – Erasmus Darwin Academy Thomas Culverhouse – Wolgarston (Vice-Captain) **All other available/eligible squad players are asked to remain on standby in case of injury etc ** Staffordshire Boys U15s 9 Vs Worcestershire Boys U15s 1. After a long absence from the field, Staffordshire Boys U15s produced a polished performance in defeating Worcestershire Boys 9-1. After a bright start from Worcestershire, Staffordshire boys quickly gained control and looked threatening every time they went forward. Staffs quickly turned the early dominance into a lead with a superb goal from Dan Hughes. Staffordshire continued to push forward and were rewarded with 2 quality goals from the excellent Dylan Scott - these goals were split with a Worcestershire goal from a corner. The 1st period of four 20 minutes ended 3-1 to Staffordshire. The second period continued with Staffordshire dominating the majority of the ball. Worcestershire defended more aggressively and kept Staffs at bay for the majority of the game until Staffs LB, Ethan Bracher, scored a superb free kick, making it 4-1 at half time. A more even 3rd quarter saw Worcestershire enjoy more possession and threaten the Staffordshire goal. Staffs added a fifth midway through the 3rd period with an excellent goal from Jharrel Williams. The 3rd period ended 1-0 to staffs, 5-1 overall. Staffordshire Boys really stepped up the pressure in the final quarter and attacked Worcestershire from the outset. A superb goal by Dylan Scott ensured he got his hat trick, followed by nice combination around the 18yrd box ending with a fine goal for Charlie Dean. Staffs flying LB Ethan Bracher added to the score and got himself a second goal making it 8-1. Staffs final goal was the second for Jharrel Williams, some special feet got him through the defence and he finished nicely in the corner. A superb game from both sides and thank you to Worcestershire for their hospitality. You may be aware of the social media boycott proposed to take place across the footballing landscape from the 30th April - 3rd May. Along with organisations such as ESFA, The Premier League, FA, PFA and PGMOL, we at SSCFA will also be taking a stand and not using our social media channels from 3pm on 30 April until after midnight on 3rd May. Manager Kieran Newey provides the following match report for the Under 16 Girls: Staffordshire U16s Girls were edged out on penalties following a fantastic game against a very good Oxfordshire side. Oxfordshire opened the scoring shortly before half time with a powerful run that evaded 4 challenges and finished well. Staffs dominated the 2nd half with Millie Smallwood and Lottie MacMurray causing problems with Ruby Evans marshaling the defence superbly supported by Georgia Dawson, Natasha Goodwin and Erin Patrick. A few chances went begging before Jess Powis scored a stunning long range effort to level the score. Further chances came & went without troubling the scores but 28 seconds into extra time great work from Evie Quinn released Lottie MacMurray who fired home to give Staffs the lead. Ebon Clarke saw an effort cannon off the bar as the game ebbed and flowed and with seconds remaining Oxfordshire scrambled an equaliser & then sealed the victory following a tense penalty shootout. After an entertaining National Cup fixture at Stafford Town FC, the Under 16 Girls lost on penalties to Oxfordshire. Scores were tied 1-1 at full time, with both teams scoring again in extra time, meaning the game finished 2-2 before Oxfordshire were victoirous on penalties. Our congratulations go to both sides for a thrilling game of football, and we wish Oxfordshire the best of luck in the next round. The Under 15 Boys were also in action on Monday evening, defeating Worcestershire away 9-1, with some outstanding goals and football on show. Well done to both sides and thank you to Worcestershire for their hospitality. On Monday 26th April, the Under 15 Boys travel to Worcester to take on Worcestershire CSFA in a friendly fixture. Players are asked to arrive at 6pm for a 7pm kick off. In line with Covid regulations, no spectators are allowed, but one parent per child can attend. There will be no changing rooms available on the night, so players are asked to arrive ready to play in dark shorts and socks and will be provided with a shirt by the management team. The game will take place at Worcestershire FA Sports Ground, Claines Lane, Worcester WR3 7SS, just off the M5 junction 6. Coaches Lee Sage and Oz Rowley have named the following squad: Travis Ziglam Matty Bryant Ethan Bracher Finn Murray Tom Taylor Joe Davies Jacob Danen Braden Webb Declan Riley Dan Hughes Doug Hughes Ronny Wakelin Charlie King Jharrel Williams Luke Kellas Charlie Dean Dylan Scott Best of luck to the Under 15 boys on the night, and also to our Under 16 girls who take on Oxfordshire in the national cup on the same evening. On Monday 26th April, Staffordshire return to competitive action for the first time in over 12 months, with the Under 16 Girls taking on Oxfordshire in the first round of the ESFA National Cup, 7:30pm Kick off. Players are asked to arrive between 6:15 and 6:30 in school uniform. Changing rooms will be open on the night. Due to Covid-19 regulations, only one parent is allowed to attend per player, but no spectators are allowed. Everyone is reminded to maintain social distancing and sign in via the NHS COVID-19 app or the contact forms on arrival. We wish both teams the best of luck on Monday evening, and look forward to playing competitively again! The Under 16 Girls squad for Monday 26th April is named below: Chloe Astell Ebon Clarke Georgia Dawson Ruby Evans Grace Fernandez Harriet Grimshaw Natasha Goodwin Lottie MacMurray Erin Patrick Jess Powis Evie Quinn Hannah Sparkes Millie Smallwood Millie Talbot Holly Thompson Millie Williamson On Monday 19th April, SSFA’s U14 and U15 boys face each other in an intra-county friendly. The game will kick off at 7pm at Stafford Town FC, with players asked to arrive at 6:15. Players are also asked to arrive ready to play, and will be provided with tops on the night. Any parent, scout or volunteer in attendance will be asked to sign in via the NHS Covid-19 app or via the contact forms on arrival. Everyone is reminded to follow our covid-secure guidelines on the night. Members of both the Under 14 and Under 15 Boys will have been contacted by their coaches in regards to further details for Monday night. Under 16's Manager Neil Davies presents the following match report from Monday Evening's fixture with SRUSA: Staffs Boys Under 16's 4 - 0 Sports Recruiting USA After such a long time away, it felt SO good for County football to be back again! Our good friends at SRUSA were our visitors to Stafford Town as virtually the whole Under 16 boys squad attended and played some part. After going close a few times, and despite the heroic efforts of the SRUSA’s keeper, Staffs took a first half lead as Will Finlay finished well from a tight angle. The visitors had a couple of chances on the counter attack, but the Staffs defence held firm until the break. A change of formation at half time quickly brought the all important second goal as Man of the Match Rafferty Winnall was brought down in the area. Todd Alcock calmly slotted home the penalty. Captain Sol Ashworth fired home a third shortly after. Staffs saved the best goal for last as a great team move saw Archie England receive a pinpoint ball down the right wing, Archie then beat his man, cutting in from the touch line and neatly played the ball back for the onrushing Matt Cutler to fire home his first County goal - well deserved after a massively proactive and eye-catching performance. The Staffs boys were naturally a little rusty at times, but credit also to SRUSA who helped make the game very competitive and never gave up trying to play attractive and technical football. All in all a great first fixture back. Thanks to our visitors SRUSA, who were also able to chat to the Staffs players after the game about the incredible opportunities that they provide through their service. Thanks also for the tireless efforts of all of the Staffs coaches and colleagues for making the game possible, and to everyone at Stafford Town FC for their fantastic hospitality. On Monday 12th April, Staffordshire’s Under 16 Boys will take on Sports Recruiting USA in a showcase event. The match will take place at Stafford Town FC, with players asked to arrive changed and ready in dark shorts and socks by 6:15pm for a 7pm kickoff. In line with covid restrictions, only one parent/guardian can accompany their player on the night. All players, parents, volunteers and scouts are reminded to follow our Covid-secure guidelines, use hand sanitiser available, and sign in via the NHS Covid-19 App or the contact forms on arrival. Toilet facilities will be available on the night, but changing rooms remain closed. Scouts are reminded to contact our chairman and/or secretary for permission to attend PRIOR to Monday evening, as outlined in our recent update. The Under 16 Boys Squad for Monday 12th April is named below: George Lenton (GK) George Taylor (GK) Ben Humphries (GK) Jack Bostock Lewis Hassall Matt Cutler Mason Pickering Sam Scott Matt Steadman Isaac Turner Sol Ashworth (Captain) Todd Alcock Archie England Alfie Clarke Rafferty Winnall James Plant Adam Cockbill Will Finlay James Miller Ben Herrington **Important** SSFA will no longer be granting ANY scouts access to our games, unless they have sought prior permission and made arrangements with either/both the chairman (baileyevans.ssfa@gmail.com) or secretary (warrenmark7@btinternet.com). Plenty do this anyway as a matter of professional courtesy; TOO MANY don’t. Following Monday evening's trial at Stafford Town, the Under 15 Boys coaching team of Lee Sage and Oz Rowley were incredibly impressed with the high standard of football on show from all players. Our congratulations go to all of the boys selected, and our best wishes go to those who were unsuccessful this season. The following boys have been named in the Under 15 Boys squad for this season: Travis Ziglam Matty Bryant Jacob Danen Joe Davis Declan Riley Finn Murray Ethan Brachner Ronny Wakelin Dan Hughes Doug Hughes Lucas Sant Charlie King Jacob Turner Dylan Scott Hayden Cordall Jharrel Williams Luke Kellas Harry Neeson Charlie Dean Braden Webb Tom Taylor The Under 15 Boys first fixture will be an intra-county game against SSFA Under 14 Boys at Stafford Town FC on Monday 19th April (7pm Kickoff). Players are asked to arrive at 6:15, changed with dark shorts and socks, and will be provided with a playing top on the day. Parents are reminded to maintain social distancing and follow our Covid-secure regulations, including signing in via the NHS Covid-19 App or by filling out the contact forms on arrival. Toilet facilities will be available, but changing rooms remain closed. Further details regarding the fixture will be released next week. *Please note that the following statement is an update regarding inter-school competitions for the 2020/21 season, and does not affect the return to football after lockdown 3 for SSFA representative teams* In recent weeks the association officers have, on a number of occasions discussed the current Covid-19 situation and how it affects the playing of Schools football, taking into account advice from the FA, ESFA and Government. Decisions were made to suspend all inter school competitions at various age groups in the County Cup competitions. It will come as no surprise that the Staffordshire CSFA confirm the cancellation of all school competitions for the season 2020-2021. SSFA secretary Mark Warren will be contacting all schools later in the year to enquire about the participation of schools for the season 2021-2022. If there are any issues that you wish to raise, please make contact with Mr Warren. We were and continue to be ever mindful of the current situation within all schools and the added stress and workload that teachers are currently working under and our thoughts continue to be with colleagues and their families. Please note again that this only applies to inter-school competitions. SSFA remain committed to continuing the 2020/21 season for our representative teams, resuming with the under 15 boys trial on Monday 29th March 2021. Staffordshire School's FA are delighted to announce their intended return to football following Lockdown 3, our first footballing event of 2021. On Monday 29th March 2021 (government restrictions allowing), the trial for the Under 15 Boys will take place at Stafford Town FC. The pitch is a 3G pitch, with players asked to arrive for 6:15pm, with a 6:30pm start. Players are required to arrived changed and ready to play, and are reminded to bring correct footwear. A member of SSFA staff will supply shirts/bibs for the trial. In line with the guidance, the changing rooms will remain shut, but toilet facilities will be open. Players, parents and spectators are reminded to maintain social distancing on arrival and use the hand sanitiser available. A reminder of our Covid-safe measures, including the trial information booklet, can be found here. We look forward to welcoming our players, parents and volunteers back in a safe and enjoyable environment. The following players are named for the trial on Monday 29th March. Any player who is yet to confirm their attendance should do so by emailing the secretary Mark Warren (warrenmark7@btinternet.com). Luke Kellas Joe Unitt Dylan Hawkings Charlie Dean Declan Riley Mike Galloway Gilchris Kakanou Joseph Davies Yaseen Abu Khalil Ethan Brachner Bryn Jose Valaquez Archie Carr Hayden Cordall Jacob Danan Kamil Dudek Woody Ford Dan Hughes Doug Hughes Charlie King Finn Murray Dylan Scott Lucas Sant Tom Taylor Jacob Turner Ronny Wakelin Braden Webb Jharrel Williams Travis Ziglam Zack Elsabee Goodhead Josh Massey Mason Lymer Sam Van Hagen Harry Neeson Henry Handley Following the return of students on 8th March, the guidance states outdoor organised sports can resume on the 29th March. Therefore, representative schools football will be able to return at the earliest from Monday 29th March. These dates are conditional and will be informed by the continued progress the country is making. We currently await further guidance from The FA and ESFA, and will update parents and players in due course (both here on our website and on our Twitter page @staffsschoolsfa) We are encouraged by these dates and are currently in the process of re-scheduling our elite friendly programme for the remainder of the 2020/2021 season with 2 key aims: 1) to ensure the safe return to county football for all age groups and get our schoolchildren active again and enjoying their football 2) to support Staffordshire Schools' FA as an organisation following over a year of no income With the promising news of the roadmap and the incredible progression of the vaccine rollout, we are a step closer to getting back to doing the things we love. Despite the optimism, it remains important as ever to continue to stay at home and stay safe as we slowly return to normality. From everyone involved at SSFA, stay safe and we look forward to seeing everyone again in the coming months. Everyone at SSFA hopes all of our players, parents and volunteers are keeping safe during these difficult times. At the moment, we still have no clear date on when county football will resume. We appreciate how tough these ongoing restrictions are on everybody, with vaccines highlighting a way out of the havoc this awful virus has caused. When the Prime Minister announces the roadmap and gradual re-opening of the country post-lockdown, we will have further updates on what this means for SSFA and any return to football in due course. For now, continue to reach out to one another, keep rising to the homeschooling challenges, and most importantly, stay safe. From all involved at Staffordshire Schools' FA. Despite Staffordshire's new Tier 4 status from 31/12/2020 indicating that "Organised outdoor sport for under 18s (and disabled people) will be allowed" (Source: @GOVUK website), Stafford Borough Council have decided to close Stafford Town's facilties until further notice. Unfortuantely, this means that games previously arranged for January and February so far will be postponed/rearranged. Whilst this is bitterly disappointing for our players, parents and volunteers, we hope to provide some more information on when we will be able to return (once again!) in the new year with our exciting games programme. More will be posted here and on our Twitter page once we have any further updates. In the mean time, we wish everyone a Happy New Year and a safe, healthy and better 2021, filled with football. ** Please note that the below fixtures have been postponed and will be rearranged as soon as we are able to play again ** Amidst the uncertainty of government restrictions and cancellation of MCF fixtures, Staffordshire Schools FA are delighted to confirm their schedule for the first 6 weeks of 2021. The following fixtures, subject to government restrictions, will all take place at Stafford Town FC: 4th January - Under 14 Boys training game 11th January - Under 16 Boys vs Lichfield City 18th January - Under 14 Boys and Under 16 Boys vs Burton Albion FC 25th January - Under 14 Boys and Under 15 Boys vs Port Vale FC 1st February - Under 16 Boys vs Port Vale FC 8th February - Under 14 Girls and Under 16 Girls vs Birmingham City FC Kick off times and squads for each fixture will be confirmed closer to the time. It is with great thanks to the clubs and organisations for their help in scheduling these fixtures, and we look forward to hosting them. SSFA remain in dialogue with other organisations, with further fixtures to be announced in the new year. Any academy teams or college scholarship teams who would be interested in playing one of our representative sides as part of our games programme are encouraged to contact the Chairman, Bailey Evans. As we get into 2021, more fixtures will be announced, with players and parents encouraged to keep an eye on our Calendar page. Following the cancellation of all MCF league fixtures for this year, SSFA have continued with our plans to implement a programme of elite level friendlies in the new year, with confirmation of academy, college and US scholarship opponents to be confirmed in early 2021. Everyone at Staffordshire Schools’ FA would like to thank all of our players, parents, coaches and volunteers who have been exemplary in their support for schools' football in the most challenging and uncertain year for all involved. Schools' football will resume again in January subject to any changes to current restrictions, and we look forward to seeing everyone again in 2021. Once again, thank you to all involved for their unwavering support throughout the uncertainty and the lockdowns this year. We wish everyone and their families good health and rest over the Christmas period, from all at SSFA. The U18's management are delighted to announce the squad for this season. The trials have given us some very difficult decisions and we have been impressed with the standard of all the players in attendance. It is always disappointing not to get selected from a trial but we would urge those in Year 12 to trial again next season as it is important to remember this team is made up from Year 12 and 13 pupils. As mentioned at the trials, players may get injured or be unavailable for a variety of reasons and on these occasions it may result in someone not initially selected receiving a call up. We would like to thank everyone involved in the trials process and wish them every success with their football this season. A huge congratulations goes to those selected below: Harry Dabbs Hyewlan Wright Joe Baxter Lewi Burnside Louis Pelnans Josh Lewis James Sutton Dave Periera (capt) Sam Bowater Morgan Payne Charlie Pearsall Jacob Gwilt Ben Chesters Lewis Howard Patrick Ngove Oli Waddison Jack Bowater Joe Morley Jack Thomas Dan Gormley Jack Taylor Please can those selected email team manager Mr M Culverhouse on mculverhouse74@googlemail.com to confirm their place in the squad. Further information will then be sent out regarding plans for the season. Thanks to all of the boys who attended the final U14 trial at Stafford Town on Monday. The management, spectators and scouts in attendance were all very impressed with the talent on show, and agreed that decisions to be taken were very difficult ones. That said, congratulations to the following players, who have been selected for the coming season: Louis Deaville - Excel Academy Harley Gray - Erasmus Darwin Academy La’Trell Jones - John Taylor High School Jamie Maddocks-Brown - Erasmus Darwin Academy Thomas Culverhouse - Wolgarston Gioele Bovolenta - De Ferrers Fletcher Poole - Landau Forte Amington Alfie Gillion - Erasmus Darwin Academy Spencer Bailey - Paulet Owen Cantrill - Chase Terrace Ashton Newman - Cheslyn Hay Corey Waterworth - Kingsmead Liam Brazier - Endon High Amerik Shinger - Codsall Jack Newall - Wolgarston Finn East - Blessed William Howard Evan Wynne - Friary Harrison Smith - Paulet Luca Whitney - Madeley High Morgan Daley - Codsall Alfie Cowley - St Margaret Ward Zack Binns - John Taylor High School These players should also pencil in Monday 4th January 2021, when the intention is for the squad to have a training evening and/or friendly game. Thanks again to all players and parents who attended on Monday. Unfortunately, the Midlands County Federation have confirmed that no competitive fixtures will take place across any age group this season under the 'MCF' competitions. SSFA are deeply saddened and surprised at this outcome. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic presenting numerous potential health and logistical challenges, it is the belief that the guidelines in place for football's return are sufficient and necessary to allow boys and girls to continue to represent their county safely and proudly. These guidelines are not only approved by the government, the FA and ESFA, but agreed by all county associations. As an association, like many across the country, the Covid-19 pandemic has reduced income to next to nothing since late February. With this decision axing over 20 home MCF fixtures per season across all 6 teams, this prevents signficant financial challenges for the association as a whole. SSFA remain committed to the longstanding belief implemented by the late John Appleby that no player will ever have to pay fees to represent their county. Instead, as an association we heavily rely upon gate reciepts (between £2-£5 per person) as our main income each season. Having no MCF fixtures significantly reduces the opportunity to keep SSFA afloat and limits boys and girls opportunities to thrive and enjoy their football amongst the best players in the county. SSFA are currently in discussions with numerous elite academies, local teams and US scholarship organisations to arrange a schedule of elite level friendlies starting in the new year. This would allow all SSFA teams to have multiple opportunities to perform across the season, testing themselves against different opponents, in watchful eye of scouts. As an association, we understand the financial difficulties presented to everyone in the current climate. It is hoped that by providing these elite fixtures for all county teams in 2021, spectators can, where possible, continue to contribute on the gate to help maintain SSFA's longstanding approach to footballing excellence and enjoyment for all involved. On Monday 14th December, the Under 14 boys second trial will take place at Stafford Town FC. Players are asked to arrive for 6:15, with a 6:45 start. Players should arrive changed and ready to play, with changing rooms unavailable on the night. The management team look forward to seeing everyone again and finalising the squad for this season. All players, parents and spectators are kindly reminded to adhere to social distancing, use the hand sanitiser on site and follow the Covid-secure guidelines. As announced previously, the following boys are selected to attend the trial on Monday evening: Louis Deaville Harley Gray TJ Carroll Harrison Smith Marley Charters Jacob Maddocks-Brown Bradley Ferris Americk Shinger William Ellis Tom Culverhouse Sam Bradley Liam Prendergast Kieron Warren Spencer Bailey Owen Cantrill Liam Brazier Alfie Bromley Zac Fernyhough Alfie Gillian Gioele Bovolenta Will Castle Latrelle Jones Henry Royals Corey Waterworth Zac Binns Fletcher Poole Evan Wynne Archie Kilminster Jack Newell Luca Whitney Alfie Cowley Dylan Millington Morgan Daley Jonathan Palmer Robbie Bowdler Carl Tomlinson Harrison Smith Ashton Newman Following the end of lockdown 2, Staffordshire Schools' FA are delighted to be able to return to action again and look forward to seeing our players, parents and volunteers again. On Monday 7th December, the Under 18 Boys will take on Newcastle College in a friendly at Stafford Town FC. Players are asked to arrive at 6:30pm for a 7pm kick off. In accordance with the Covid guidelines, changing rooms will not be available on the night. Spectators are welcome, with a £2 admission fee on the night. All players and parents are asked to adhere to the Covid regulations as they did so well prior to the lockdown. The Under 18 boys squad for the friendly agaisnt Newcastle College on Monday evening is named below: Harry Dabbs Dylan Young Louis Pelnans Joe Baxter Morgan Payne Charlie Pearsall Jacob Gwilt Harry Clifton Joe Morley Sam Bowater Morgan Russell Patrick Ngove Oliver Waddison Ben Briggs Dan Gormley Following the Under 16 Girls trials before lockdown 2, the Under 16 management team have named their squad for the upcoming season. The management team and SSFA would like to thank all of the trialists for the high level of football, with commiserations and best wishes to those unsuccessful this year. The Under 16 Girls squad is named below: Following the confirmation from the government and ESFA that county fixtures cannot continue during lockdown 2, there will be no footballing activity related to Staffordshire Schools' FA until at least 2/12/2020, when the current national restrictions are set to be reviewed. In the mean time, keep an eye on our website and Twitter (@staffsschoolsfa) for further updates. SSFA look forward to seeing everyone again soon in a footballing environment. We hope that all of our players, parents, teachers, coaches, volunteers and their loved ones remain safe and well during this time. Following the friendly against Newcastle College last Monday (2/11/2020), the Under 16 coaching staff have finalised the squad for the upcoming season. A squad of 20 players have been selected, with 5 players on the standby list. Manager Neil Davies would like to congratulate all of the successful boys and thank everyone who attended the trials over the past month, with an incredibly high standard throughout. The Under 16 Boys squad for 2020-21 is named below: Last season's U16 boys side made SSFA history on Saturday, where they became only the second ever U16 boys side to become Champions of England, and the first ever to secure the Midlands Counties League and National Cup double whilst maintaining an unbeaten record across the season. It is a second National title in management for Bailey Evans and Oz Rowley, and a first for coaches Alex Minshull and Jack Bromfield, who lifted the trophy as players three years ago. This is surely a first for a National-winning team, and a glowing justification of the model to bring the very best SSFA ambassadors through, beyond the playing ranks, as our next generation of coaches. The biblical rain at Lilleshall National Sports Centre subsided in time for kick-off, and the sun came out for us. Before kick-off, a minute's applause was dedicated to the late and legendary Mr John Appleby, in recognition of his incredible service to, and passion for SSFA. I think all involved would agree that it was a first half to forget for Staffs, where the occasion maybe played on a few minds. However, thanks to the rock-solid defensive security provided by Joe Baxter and James Sutton, the Bedfordshire attack was kept at bay. Half-time provided an opportunity to take stock and freshen the side at 0-0, with the Staffs lads knowing that they had to find more against a pacy and physical Bedfordshire team. Whilst the second half began more brightly for the boys in green, it was Bedfordshire that drew first blood, with their attacker sharpest to prod past outstretched 'keeper Kyle Curtis. 1-0 down, two major injuries and only 30mins to play - the stage was set for either heartbreak or a legendary turnaround. Lewi Burnside (who was an obvious MOTM) slotted into defence to replace Louis Pelnens, whose injury proved too much to bear any further, with Harvey Bannister-Smith battling through injury with a sublime second half performance on the right side of midfield, maintaining the work-rate and threat Harry Buzzard posed in the 1st half. Morgan Russell and Joe Scriven provided respite for James May and Jack Thomas, who had been so bright and busy throughout. It was Russell who gave Staffs a glimmer of hope, with a composed finish after great close-control from Scriven in the Beds' box. Joe Morley proved a constant threat throughout and came close to putting Staffs in the lead shortly after with an audacious 25 yard effort, with the introduction of Jake Finney causing Bedfordshire’s fullbacks all sorts of problems. Still it remained 1-1 with 10 minutes to go, as the midfield duo of captain Charlie Pearsall and Morgan Payne continued to work doggedly to try to open doors and protect the defence, and showed a level of grit seen only in National Champions. As the awkward questions about penalty takers started to be uttered, Joe Scriven produced a piece of individual magic: taking the ball down on his chest before volleying beautifully beyond the helpless Bedfordshire 'keeper, igniting scenes of absolute euphoria amongst the Staffs players and bench. However, like all elite-level performers, the boys realised that there was 3 minutes to hang on for, and goodness did they have to hang on! The final moments were an onslaught of pressure and corners for Bedfordshire, with the Staffs players throwing their bodies on the line to protect their goal. Eventually, after what seemed like 100 minutes of added time, the final whistle was blown, and the Staffs boys assumed their rightful position as the best in the land, with Captain Fantastic Charlie Pearsall holding the cup aloft. Our sincere thanks to all at ESFA for their efforts in holding the final: not an easy task in the current climate! Staffordshire U16 Boys 0 Newcastle College 0 On a blustery night at Stafford Town, both teams played out an entertaining and competitive friendly, which despite finishing goalless saw numerous near misses for both sides. Staffs Captain Sol Ashworth saw his first half free-kick hit the post and late on James Plant almost struck the winner forcing a good save from the visiting keeper. Newcastle also went close and were denied a goal when Staffs keeper George Lenton pulled off a fine save. The game gave the Staffordshire coaches a final look before deciding on the County squad for the coming season. The squad will be posted on here later this week. The members of last season’s trophy winning squad were also finally presented their medals and the Under 15 Midland Counties Trophy for the 2019-2020 season. Having also been Champions at Under 14, the challenge now is to do the treble and win the Under 16 title as well. This weekend (31/10/2020) sees last years Under 16 Boys take on Bedfordshire in the National Final for the prolonged 2019-2020 season. The game is taking place at Lilleshall, with an unfortunate but important reminder that no spectators are allowed at the game. SSFA wish the Under 16 Boys the best of luck in their final on Saturday. The game will be streamed live on YouTube and can be found here from just before kick off (3PM): https://www.youtube.com/esfatv/ The successful trialists for the Under 14 Girls, Under 15 Boys and Under 16 Boys have also recently been added to the website. The Under 16 boys for the 2020-21 season take on Newcastle College in a friendly on Monday 2nd November, with more details found below on this page. Those successful for the Under 14 Girls and Under 15 Boys are also named below with dates to be confirmed soon for the second trials at Stafford Town FC. The remaining teams for 2020-21 are still being decided and further updates will be announced in the coming week. Following the first Under 15 boys trial, the successful players will go through to a second trial with the existing squad. The date of the second trial will be confirmed soon. Players will be notified via email and on our website regarding the date. SSFA wish to thank all of the unsuccessful boys for their attendance and high standard of football at the trials. We wish you all the best for the current season and hope to see you again at the trials next year. The Under 15 coaching team wish to invite the following boys to the second trial: Luke Kellas Dylan Hawkings Declan Riley Gilchris Kakanou Joe Unitt Yaseen Abu-Khalil Bryn Jose Valasquez Charlie Dean Isaac Galloway On Monday 2nd November the Under 16 Boys (2020-21 season) take on Newcastle College at Stafford Town in a friendly. Players should arrive for 6pm with a 7pm kick off. Players should also arrive changed and ready to play with dark shorts and socks (preferably black), and will be given a County shirt to be worn on the night and returned at the end of the game. Spectators are welcome, with a £2 entry charge which will go towards SSFA costs, having not recieved income as an organisation from any footballing activity since March. The squad for Monday can be found below: George Lenton Mason Pickering Sol Ashworth James Plant Kyle Corns Jensen Peake Alfie Clarke Will Finlay Adam Cockbill Ben Humphries Isaac Taylor Matt Steadman Luca Chandler Lewis Holden Harry Taylor Henry Carter Sam Scott Freddie Nakash Mark Mataranyica Edward Gillett The main purpose of the game is to take a final look at the new trialists who were unable to make the first trial plus a few members of last season’s County squad who again missed the first trial. Some squad players from last year are also involved in this game to ensure players are available in each position. On Saturday 31st October, SSFA Under 16 boys will take on Bedfordshire looking to become only the second Staffordshire Under 16 Boys team to win the National Final. The game was originally scheduled to take place in May but was postponed due to Covid-19. SSFA are delighted that most of the players get their well-earned opportunity to become national champions. The management team of Bailey Evans and Oz Rowley will be looking to add their 2nd national title in 3 years, this time assisted by 2 ex-SSFA National Champions Jack Bromfield and Alex Minshull. The team is also hoping to become the second Staffordshire team to win national final honours in the prolonged 2019-2020 season following the Under 18 boys being declared joint winners a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, Staffordshire's squad will not consist all of their players from the 2019-2020 season following the EFL's decision to prevent 4 members of the squad from playing in a national final in which they worked so hard for and deeply deserved the opportunity to play in the final. However, the Staffordshire squad remains full of talent and relish their underdog status as they have done on so many occasions in the 3 years the squad has been together. SSFA thank all of the boys involved this season for their attitude, commitment and incredible hard work culminating in this final game together. Special mention must also go to the parents of the Under 16 boys squad - their superb backing of the players throughout the 3 years has been outstanding and no doubt helped both the players and coaching team! It is with regret that due to the current Covid-19 situation, NO SPECTATORS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND THE GAME. Instead, the ESFA will provide a live stream for the game on YouTube which can be found on the day at https://www.youtube.com/c/ESFATV/featured. We kindly ask all parents/guardians to continue to follow the guidelines provided by the ESFA to ensure the final runs as smoothly as possible. The squad for the National Final is as follows: Kyle Curtis - Friary James May - Cardinal Griffin Morgan Payne - Walton Jack Thomas - The Rawlett School Louis Pelnens - Codsall James Sutton - Weston Road Charlie Pearsall (C) - John Taylor High School Harvey Bannister-Smith - Blessed William Howard Joe Baxter - Painsley Lewi Burnside - Netherstowe High School Joe Morley - Cardinal Griffin Harry Buzzard - Erasmus Darwin Academy Jake Finney - Endon High School Morgan Russell - Erasmus Darwin Academy Keelan Summerfield - Walton Joseph Scriven - Codsall Players that are unable to play due to the EFL preventing them from doing so: Callum Niven - John Taylor High School Greg Lewis - Friary Huw Emery - De Ferrers Academy Eden Bailey - Trentham High School Please be aware that, until FINAL squad lists are published, ALL trialists are still “in the mix” for selection. Various teams may hold extra friendlies or events which, due to COVID-19, not all will be able to attend. But inclusion/omission in these extra trial events is not indicative of being part of the final squad or not. Also, as discussed at trials, coaches cannot offer individual feedback to unsuccessful trialists, as we simply do not have the human, time or analytical resources. Thanks in advance of your understanding. Further to the recent trials at Stafford Town on Monday 28th September, the Management team have provided the following update: Following an excellent trial involving new trialists and the existing squad from last season, a further trial will be announced shortly in the form of a friendly game, most likely against Newcastle College. This will allow the coaches to finalise the squad for the forthcoming Inter County season which is planned to commence in January. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended the initial trial. The standard as always was excellent. Once a date for the final trial game is finalised, we will post the squad for that game on here. Following the incredible achievement of the Under 18 Boys team reaching the National Final in the 2019/2020 season pre-covid, Staffordshire School’s FA and Gloucestershire SFA have now been crowned joint winners by the ESFA. Despite the best efforts to play the final, under 18s prove a difficult age group to keep together with a lot of players moving on to university (some abroad), made even more difficult with the current pandemic and travel restrictions. Nevertheless, the Under 18 Boys squad, alongside the coaching team of Mark Culverhouse, Greg Valentine and Matt Skinner should be extremely proud of their 2019/2020 season and huge congratulations go out to everyone involved. Players will be awarded with their medals in due course and SSFA hope to get the squad back together when it is safe to do so in recognition of their achievements. The Under 16 Boys national final against Bedfordshire is still scheduled to go ahead towards the end of the month. Due to restrictions of numbers, nominations for Monday's U14 Boys trial are now CLOSED. Thanks so much to all the teachers who nominated! If you have nominated/been nominated, please send a follow up email or direct message with position(s), as the trial will be split across 2 sessions. SSFA look forward to the U14 Boys trial on Monday and look to continue our return to football in the safe and Covid-secure manner as the trials have done so far. Monday evening saw Staffordshire Schools FA hold their first county trial ahead of the upcoming season. The Under 18 Boys trialled at Stafford Town FC and there was some excellent quality on show in our first ‘Covid-Secure’ return to football event. Those who attended the Under 18s trial on Monday are advised to keep an eye on their emails and the SSFA website for more information regarding squad selection or further trial updates. It is with thanks to the players, parents, coaches and volunteers for adhering to the guidelines as well as those at Stafford Town FC for allowing the evening to run smoothly and safely. This new way of normal must be continued to ensure the next set of trials for other age groups in the coming weeks also run safely. For a reminder of SSFA's Covid-Secure documents for our return to football, please click the link here. Staffordshire Schools FA are working hard to ensure a return to county football is safe ahead of the upcoming season. Trial information has been emailed out to PE staff and further information regarding trials will also be emailed to schools. Without a nomination from their school, players cannot trial! Staffordshire Schools FA look forward to welcoming back players and also getting to know new faces ahead of the upcoming season. It is advised that all players, parents and coaches read through the SSFA Covid-19 page by clicking the link here. From there you will find the list of Covid regulations and updates ahead of SSFA's return to football. Please note that the latest update from the government banning social gatherings of more than 6 people (from 14/09/2020) does not apply to organised team sports. Therefore, SSFA are still committed to a safe and Covid-secure return to football as planned ahead of the 2020/21 season. Please find attached arrangements for John's funeral and the link to the donations page. Please click the link below or paste the link into your URL bar to access the website page. It is with great sadness that I have to inform you of the sad passing of John Appleby on Friday 7th August. As some of you know John had been ill for the last few months and bore his illness with great strength and dignity. Our condolences go out to Janine and his family. As yet no further details regarding funeral arrangements are known. All competitions for next season are only provisional but potential entries need to be made so plans can be formulated to cater fir various scenarios. Seventeen schools have made entries. No fees are required until there is certainty about he games going aheadso if your school wished to make an entry then use the form in the previous article. Staffordshire SFA have called an end to season 19-20 due to the current pandemic. Teams who have reached the finals of the individual schools competitions will share the trophy and medals will be sent to schools when it is considered safe to do so. This is not a satisfactory conclusion to the season but the only one available and it is a model that has been used by the majority of the County associations nationwide. What the future holds in the short term nobody knows but the County Association is planning for a resumption of activities for next season. This of course could be delayed and may not even happen but if and when a resumption is allowed then Staffordshire SFA will be ready. Schools have been sent forms for entry into our individual schools competitions as well as nomination forms for the trials for the County sides next season. These have been duplicated below. It needs to made very clear that only teachers can nominate pupils for county trials, not clubs or parents. If there is a gifted and talented boy or girl who attends a school that is not actively involved in school football then the teacher in charge of PE needs to be approached to fill in the appropriate paperwork. Trials will only be held when it is safe to do so and unlike the past few seasons they will not be held prior to the autumn term. The County Association hopes that all involved are staying safe and following the guidelines of social distancing to ensure that all involved in our great game remain healthy. Below is the newsletter sent to schools today This coming bank holiday weekend would have seen a new chapter written into the long history of Staffordshire Schools Football. For the first time two teams had reached the finals of National competitions in the same season. The Under 18 Boys and the U16 Boys were due to play their finals at the Bet 365 stadium this weekend. The Under 18 Boys were due to meet Gloucestershire having negotiated their way through ties against Cheshire (5-0),South Yorkshire (4-2) and Lancashire (2-1) to set up their place in the final. The management team of Mark Culverhouse, Greg Valentine and Matt Skinner were looking forward to leading oiut an extremely talented group which included three internationals from this seasons ESFA U18 squad. Having already clinched the MCF title the boys were confident of putting on a good show to try and bring the U18 National title to Staffordshire for the first time. The Under 16 Boys were due to meet Bedfordshire having beaten Humberside (3-1), West Midlands (3-1) Cardiff and the Vale (4-1) and North Yorkshire (2-1) to earn their final tie. The team remained unbeaten this season and were looking to add a second title for managers Bailey Evans and Oz Rowley this time assisted by ex players Alex Minshull and Jack Bromfield.The majority of the squad have been together for three years and have been superb ambassadors for their schools. There may be some clarification regarding the future in the next few days but it is looking increasingly likely that these games will remain unplayed. There are far more important issues at this moment in time and when people are losing their lives football is but a trivial distraction. However in the years to come all of the players from all teams that would have played in the finals will look back at what they will regard as a missed opportunity and will always ask 'What might have been'. The MCF have finished the season as there is no chance of completion of the competitions due to the current situation with coronavirus. The championships have been awarded to the teams that topped the leagues when the suspension of the season happened in March. Staffordshire boys have performed outstandingly well with the U18, u16,and the U15 boys winning the titles and the U14 Boys finishing as runners up in their competition. All three winners were unbeaten and the U14 boys tasted defeat once to the Chanpions West Midlands who were worthy winners. The girls struggled to make an impact this season due to the RTC.s refusing to release girls for County matchess. Only a couple of sets of parents stood their ground and insisted that their daughters played County football for which the CSFA were very grateful.There will be a debate in the close season about the viability of continuing with girls representative football due to the facyt that counties who have RTC players available are so much stronger that they are totally dominant and can leave teams who do not have these players available at a distinct disadvantage. Parents committment to county football will be the key. The winners of the competitions can be found below; u14 boys - West Midlands u15 boys - Staffordshire u16 boys (east) - Lincolnshire u16 boys (west) - Staffordshire u18 boys - Staffordshire u16 girls - Shropshire u14 girls - West Midlands The U18 and U16 boys still await news of wether or not they will be playing in the national finala Can you answere the following ten questions/ Send answers to website. More questions to follow. We at Staffordshire Schools'FA hope that all of or players, parents teachers are staying safe and following the government guidelines. It is very difficult and pretty boring but it is needs must and the more islolated from each other we are then the sooner we can hopefully emerge from these dark days. As a group we have to applaud and assist our NHS who are on the frontline with all of the inherent dangers, whilst we stay away from each other to help them in their quest to beat this virus. The Chairman of ESFA has released a statement which says that depending on the situation that the ESFA cup competitions will be completed wherever possible. That could mean them taking place in September so with our two teams that have reached the final there is hope that we may be able to play the games. Understandably we may have to ask for special consideration to be given to some players for a variety of different reasons. The County Schools FA will do the same with regard to our Individual schools competition again depending on the advice given by the government and the ESFA. You can only feel for those clubs who have had their seasons terminated, especially those who were certain of promotion but these are extraordinary times. Stay safe. Staffordshire Schools FA activity like all football has closed down because of the virus situation in the Uk. Now is a time for reflection and looking after oneself and family. No decisions have been made regarding what will happen regarding outstanding fixtures but there will be no activity before the end of April at the earliest. We hope that all of our players parents teachers and their loved ones remain safe and well . Following advice from the governing body and the government then all schools football under the jurisdiction of SSFA is now suspended until futher notice. This includes county representative teams and all individual schools cup competitions. Hopefully if we see some light at the end of this very dark tunnel then finals may be played in the summer term. The Staffordshire Schools FA hopes everyone stays safe and well. Information and news will be posted here when it becomes available. The Under 18 and Under 16 boys have reached the national inter county cup finals which are due to be played on the 8th or 9th of May at the Bet 365 Stadium, the home of Stoke City FC. Staffordshire Schools wish to make this a very special occassion for the boys and one which will live long in their memories the results not withstanding.We are looking for companies to come forward to sponsor the boys warm up tops , playing kit and match balls. The games will receive lots of publicity and are being streamed live from the ground. If you are able to help then please make contact through the website as the Association do not receive any funding for running representative sides.It is a great opportunity to be associated with schools football at the highest level. @staffsschoolsfa will allow all to follow what is going on and will supplement the information available on the website. Follow the account which is being run by Under 15 team Manager Bailey Evans.
A good performance from a team that are definitely ones to watch...
These players’ parents/guardians should now contact team manager/chairman Bailey Evans on baileyevans.ssfa@gmail.com to accept their squad place, and for further instructions on how to install/join the “Spond” app, which is used for team admin/communication.